Question

A completely reversible heat pump produces heat ata rate of 300 kW to warm a house maintained at 24°C. Theexterior air, which is at 7°C, serves as the source. Calculate the rate of entropy change of the two reservoirs and determine if this heat pump satisfies the second law according to the increase of entropy principle.

Answer 1

Change in entropy S = 0.061

Second law of thermodynamics is satisfied since there is an increase in entropy

Step-by-step explanation:

Heat Q = 300 kW

T2 = 24°C = 297 K

T1 = 7°C = 280 K

Change in entropy =

S = Q(1/T1 - 1/T2)

= 300(1/280 - 1/297) = 0.061

There is a positive increase in entropy so the second law is satisfied.